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Mandalay[1] is the second largest city (after Yangon), and a former capital of Myanmar. The city is the economic and religious hub of upper Myanmar. The city is centred around the Royal Palace, and has wide lanes filled with bicycles and motorcycles. Mandalay is known for its millionaires, its monks (half of the country's monks reside in Mandalay and surrounding areas), and its cultural diversity.

Understand

History

Mandalay, the very name evokes the splendors of the Burma of old! But, most people will be surprised to learn that Mandalay is not an old city, not even a medieval one, but rather a new city that was created by King Mingdon Min of Burma in 1857 as the new capital of the kingdom of Ava. Only two Burmese kings ruled from there, King Mingdon and King Thibaw, before the British conquest of Upper Burma in 1885. History records it as a city of splendor between 1858 and 1885 but most of the magnificence is gone, destroyed by the fire that consumes wooden structures, by the cavalier attitudes of its colonial rulers, and by intensive bombing by the allies during the reconquest of Burma in the Second World War. The city, neatly planned with its lettered roads and numbered streets, is a British creation. The once magnificent Royal Palace and the great Atumashi (incomparable) pagoda, King Mingdon Min's finest creations, are modern reconstructions supervised by the ruling Military junta with the help of forced labor. Today, Mandalay lies at the end of the Lashio Road and it is, by Burmese standards, relatively prosperous as a centre for trade with China and as a centre for the growing trade with India. Despite the capital having been shifted to Naypyidaw, Mandalay remains by far the main commerical centre of Upper Myanmar.

People

Mandalay is ethnically diverse, with the Bamar (Burmans) forming a slight majority. In recent years, there has been a major influx of Chinese from Mainland China, and the Chinese (both recent migrants and colonial-era immigrants) form 30 to 40% of the population. Their influence is seen in the China-style glass buildings throughout the city, while the Yunnan dialect of Mandarin is often spoken among the ethnic Chinese community. Other prevalent ethnic groups include the Shan, who are ethnically and linguistically related to the Thais and Laotians, and the Karen (Kayin). There is a sizable ethnic Indian population, including Nepalis and Sikhs.

Climate

Mandalay has a semi-tropical climate. Winter (which is dry and cold) lasts from November to February, and summer lasts from March to May. Because Mandalay is in the central dry zone, it receives far less rain than the more tropical south.

Get in

By plane

Mandalay International Airport, a gleaming modern facility, serves the area with flights to most places in Myanmar and some international flights. Air Mandalay used to provide a service, twice a week, flying from Chiang Mai, Thailand, however, it was suspended in 2008 and, whilst rumours persist, the service has not yet restarted. There are also 3 flights weekly to and from Kunming on MU2029 for about RMB2000 one way. The airport is far from the city, 45km on a modern highway (with a few hiccups). Expect to pay US$8 to central Mandalay, US$6 from central Mandalay, and US$30 to/from Pyin U Lwin.

By train

From Yangon There are several trains daily from Yangon. While the tracks are old and, in some cases, the carriages may be old, the fifteen hour journey is quite pleasant. Note that in Fall of 2006 all trains were rescheduled to travel during the day (so that trains do not cross Pyinmana in the dark) but at least one train (the privately managed Dagon Mann Express) now runs overnight. Fares range from about US$15 (ordinary class/hard seat) to US$50 (Air Conditioned Sleeper on the Dagon Mann Express).

From Lashio, Hsipaw, and Pwin U Lwin There are two trains daily from Pyin U Lwin (US$4/$2) and one from Lashio via Hsipaw and Pwin U Lwin (US$9/3 from Hsipaw). These trains are slow, crowded, but fascinating. The Pyin U Lwin - Hsipaw section includes the famous Gokteik Viaduct, a feat of Raj ingenuity (and American construction!).

From Myitkyina This twenty-four hour journey is on old rolling stock and even older tracks so expect it to be bumpy!

By bus

From Yangon There is a night bus with air-con (there are 5 options, 5PM, 6PM, 7PM, 9PM and 930PM departure, 10400k, 8.5-9 hours) running into Mandalay. Almost certainly the cheapest option for getting between the two main cities in Myanmar.

From Inle Lake, Kalaw or Mid-Eastern Towns There are buses available along this route, either a day minibus (5AM departure, 9000k, 9 hours) or a night bus with air-con (6PM departure). The minibus in the day takes a slightly shorter route than the larger (and some say more comfortable) full-sized night bus. Expect windy and bumpy roads, stops for picking up and putting down passengers, and, if you are lucky, a search of the bus by un-uniformed and just-bribed police officers.

From the Highway Bus Station you can either take a taxi or pick-up into town. Taxis are overly expensive (quoting prices as high as 2000k per person or 6000k for the car), and often bargain in a mob fashion (except they all offer the same price and try and gang-up on you). A far cheaper option is to simply walk out of the bus station yards to the West, and find one of the pick-ups which just ran a load of people to the station from town (500k per person) - they are normally more than happy to help and there is no commission issues to worry about.

Get around

Taxis are relatively inexpensive and are excellent for travelling around Mandalay, though they do not have Aircon.

Many sights are centered around Mandalay Hill, which makes foot-walking feasible in that area.

The best and cheapest way to see the city is by bicycle, as traffic isn't as heavy as in other Asian cities.

Renting a motorcycle can be a very dangerous exercise since the driving can be very hectic in Mandalay. Some hotels on 25th street(near zeycho) and an American expat in downtown are renting motorbikes that can be delivered to your hotel (09-2014265)

Trishaws(cycle rickshaws)are a convenient way of getting around in Mandalay, and if you find a driver who speaks good English you can have a tour guide and transport together for a reasonable price with a little bargaining. They only hold one or two(back to back) people though.

See

Religious sites

Maha Myat Muni Paya (Burmese: ma-ha myah mu-ni pei-ya) [2] is Myanmar's second holiest pilgrimage site. It is a 4-metre high Buddha statue, made of gold and decorated with precious jewels. The image was brought from Rakhine State, southeast of Mandalay.

Sandamuni Paya (Burmese: san-da-mu-ni pei-ya), located at the foot of Mandalay Hill, is similar to Kuthodaw Paya, an adjacent site. Sandamuni contains the world's largest iron Buddha image.

Kuthodaw Paya (Burmese: ku-tho-dau pei-ya) is site of the world's largest book, located at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Built by King Mingdon in the 1800s, 729 white stupas within the complex contain the complete text of the Tripitaka, Theravada Buddhism's most sacred text.

Shwenandaw Monastery is a monastery made entire out of teak wood with beautiful intricate carvings. It was originally part of the royal palace built by King Mindon and moved to its current location by his son, King Thibaw in the late 19th century. It is the only major building from the original wooden royal palace to have survived the bombing during World War II, and thus is the only authentic part of the royal palace which can still be seen today.

Mandalay Hill (Burmese: man-da-lei thaonh) is a 230-metre hill located near Mandalay. Along its path are several monasteries and temples. At its top are famous pagodas and temples.

Miscellaneous sites

Royal Palace (Burmese: man-da-lei nan-dau) is a walled city within Mandalay. It was built in 1861 by King Mindon, to fulfill a prophecy. The palace, although destroyed in World War II, was rebuilt, and was renovated recently. It was renovated using forced labour, and locals may advise you not to visit the place. In addition, while the design of the reconstruction was fairly faithful to the original, the materials used were not (metal was use instead of the original teak wood). The palace contains several pavilions and chambers. Tourists are required to enter from the East Gate, no ifs, no buts. An almost kilometer walk connects the entry gate to the palace proper. Replicas of throne rooms and chairs and Madame Tussaud style images of Kings Mindon and Thibaw with their chief consorts are on display.

The palace compound nowadays looks like a military camp with armed soldier guards manning the entries. A registration is required. The sign explicitly and graphically indicates areas where foreigners are limited to step on, which is the straight path from the East Gate to the Palace proper. Deviating from this is subject to arrest and the whole place is monitored. Road signs all over indicate where it is "off limits". Inside is what may be described as residences and apartment rows for military personnel. Even restaurants at the side of the road are off-limits to foreigners. What's interesting and intriguing is that everyone seemed to be wearing an ID necklace including a housewife simply sweeping her front yard.

At the west end is the Palace Museum where all palace memorabilia is on display including religious paraphernalia, court ritual implements, court dresses and uniforms, furnitures, palanquins and litters, as well as armory - all in their typical intricate Myanmar design and execution. There are also photo exhibits.

Do

Mandalay Hill In the old days you had to climb Mandalay Hill on foot, a long and grueling journey. Nowadays visitors can take a shared pick-up for a handfull of kyats and hang on to their dear lives (downhill is even scarier). The pick-ups leave every twenty minutes and bring you to the foot of the hill pagoda, where an entry fee of US$3 is collected and footwear is prohibited. The pagode offers nice views of Mandalay and the surrounding plains. One can also rent a private pick-up for 5000 Kyat or so, a more comfortable option since the shared pick-ups can be very crowded.

Moustache Brothers, (any bicycle rickshaw), [3]. A comedy trio who have served a total of 12 years in prison for their political (anti-government) performances and jokes. They are not only allowed to perform from their home, for tourists. They perform every night, cost 8000 kyat, which goes towards helping political prisoners. Bicycle rickshaw drivers will undoubtedly approach you to strike a return pedal deal. The show lasts for about 1,5 hours and mostly features Burmese dance and some political jokes. K8000.

Waterfall Hill (Yaedagon Taung) is located on the east side of Mandaly, where you can have outdoor sports. Especially caving and rock climbing is the most favorite one since it is not spoiled, nor crowded and not far from the city.

Mahamuni Paya. Visit at around 4.30-5.00a.m for the amazing ceremony of washing the buddha's face, which occurs every day and is attended by hundreds of people.

Motorcycle Tour of Mandalay Outskirts. This is a whole day more-or-less serendipity tour entrusted at the hands of a 20-year old motorcycle driver named Phyo Lay attached to the Royal City Hotel on the western side of the Palace compound (27th St.). The tour starts with a trip out south of the city savoring the sights and sounds of Myanmar and some surprising not-your-everyday-sights like 18-wheeler (or more) trucks hauling long ginormous timber logs. The first stop is the U Bien Bridge, the world famous 1.2 km. teak bridge. The next stop is a climb to Sagaing hilltop, dotted with gleaming golden and enormous payas, one of which can be reached by 300+ steps and offering a 360-degree view of and overlooking the Irrawady River with its old (Colonial) and new (ca. 2006 plus or minus) bridges. The next attraction is across the river where the motorcycle guy turns over the tour to a horse cart guy for the town of Old Ava (also called Innwa). But first the river has to be crossed by a river boat for 1000 kyats. Horse cart tour guys compete for your business as you land the jetty and offer 5000 kyats for two passengers consisting of the three main attractions - the antiquated looking and very charming Bagaya Monastery built in 1834 by King Bagyidaw (impressive and awe-inspiring monastery entirely on very thick teak log stilts with superb wood carving craftsmanship), Nanmyin Palace Watchtower (the leaning tower of Ava), 27m high, damaged by 1838 earthquake, all that remains of the palace built by King Bagyidaw (nice views of the countryside), and Mahar Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery, a masonry structure, with antiquated and charming look tastefully executed in signature Burmese style architecture. At this point, the ticket master catches up with the tourist trail. At Bagaya Monastery, an obligatory walk-over the ticket booth flushes out tourists who have not yet paid their dues so far. The ticket costs US$10 for the whole package. This tour has a very countryside feel with limping cart trudging an uneven dirt-choke trail passing along farm huts and wooden houses as well as tall weeds and paddy fields. There are two other extra attractions - the ruined former palace gate (more like an entry pylon) and another unknown small scaled brick temple complex - a group of stupas and temples that serves as teaser for what's to come in Bagan. The compound floor pavement is drizzled by picturesque falling cotton tree flowers. This temple has no I.D. but there are two or three souvenir stalls set up at the entrance path, an indication that this is popular to tourists. The whole motorcycle tour costs 13000 kyats. (Mar.'12)

Watch Puppet Show @ Mandalay Marionettes Theater, 66th St., Bet. 26th & 27th St., ☎+95 (0) 234446, [4]. . This is a hard to find show, not even in Yangon. Here, they are featured as a regular show.

Buy

Zegyo Market (Burmese: zei-gyo) is a collection of bazaar street markets located near the city centre.

Eat

Mandalay, both due to its history as a former capital of Myanmar, and its position as a major trading centre between Myanmar and it's neighbours in China, India and Bangladesh has a notable array of specialties both from various regions within Myanmar as well as from other countries. Cuisine from the Shan State (usually including fermented pastes, vegetables, and meats) is popular in Mandalay which has a notable Shan minority. Muslim Chinese noodles, pronounced pan-THEI-kao-sweh (flat thin noodles mixed with an array of spices, chili, and chicken), are also famous in Mandalay and the surrounding hills. Regardless of where you eat, try and leave space for Htou moun(to-moh), a traditional Burmese dessert sold only in Mandalay. Beware, it contains a lot of oil and is extremely sweet.

Mann Restaurant, 83rd Street (Between 25th & 26th Streets). A Chinese restaurant, frequented by locals, but not so much by foreigners. Has a number of basic Chinese meals, at around 2000k a plate. Easily recognised from the street by the abundant yellow and black advertising for a local whisky brand. (They do sell beer and alcohol here too, Myanmar Beer at 1500k a bottle compared to 2000k in Yangon.)

Street Pancakes (Indian roti), 81st & 26th (enter unmarked alley going west, next to Myawaddy Bank). In the southwest block of 81st & 26th streets, enter the unmarked alley besides the Myawaddy Bank during the afternoon to find a pleasant indian lady making savoury and sweet street pancakes in a cast iron frying pan in front of her house. Cheap, delicious, and pleasant company.

Drink

V Cafe, No. 408, Corner of 80th & 25th street (Very near Royal guest house), ☎09-6804928.. Definitely belonging to the cool cafe at Mandalay with good food, very friendly and attentive service at fair price. A nice escape out of furious street and dreary from a tiring day. 5/10 USD.5-10 USD.

Shwe Gokai, 35th street (between 68th and 67th streets) (North side of 35th street a few shops west of 68th street). This is a Chinese BBQ restaurant famous for it's BBQ beef tongue and rice noodle soup (ba ba si). There is no english sign but it is easy enough to find as it is the only BBQ restaurant on the Noth side of 35th street. It is next to a pottery store with many clay pots in front.

Golden Coffee Shop, No. 80/4, 35th street Between 88th and 89th streets. FREE WIFI!!! Save yourself the 1000kyat an hour at an internet cafe and cycle down thisaway whilst exploring Mandalay. Decently priced fruit shakes and coffees (presuming you're fed up of 3in1 sachets and overpriced Star**cks everywhere else in SE Asia) and a good array of snacks on display. Main food menu not in English so can't comment there. Friendly staff try their best with English but best take a phrasebook if you want to do more than point at pictures on menus :)500-2000 kyat for drinks Similar for food/snacks.

Sleep

Mandalay has several tourist-friendly accommodations. Many hotels face the Royal Palace.

Budget

Most budget guesthouses are located around 25th Street, between 81st and 84th Streets. There are many more than those listed here, so if you find somewhere nice (or nasty), share it here.

AD1 Hotel, Eindawya Sintada Steet, Chan Aye Thar San Township (East of the Eindawya Pagoda), ☎02-34505/09-6502430. Great place to stay! Central location in the heart of Zeygo market. Rooftop is something special. Rooms are tacky and bathrooms dated but the price is right. $15USD Double rate as of March 4 201210/15US$.

Peacock Lodge, 5 61st St., Mandalay. Terrific homestay B&B, with very friendly family staff. A little bit out of the center, also has a bike rental.US$20.

Rich Queen, 87th Street, Bet: 26th&27th Streets, ☎02-260172, 0991028348. Place is very new and has a flash backpacker feel to it, Has a lot of modern features and the bathrooms are top notch. All rooms have air con, seemed pretty empty there when I looked around. 15 USD Single, 25 USD Double.

Royal Guesthouse, No. 41 25th Street (Between 82nd & 83rd Streets, Southern side.), ☎0265697. checkout: 12 Midday. Popular, Lonely Planet "Our Pick". This place does fill up pretty quickly, so if you want to be sure - place a reservation before arriving in Mandalay. Cheaper rooms have fan and shared bathroom - more expensive have aircon. That being said, aircon is on the government grid and so will go down during (common) blackouts. Friendly staff, and close to the Royal Palace. Bike rental (1500k per day, negotiable) available across the road.US$7 plus.

Splurge

Stay safe

Mandalay is a haven for drug kingpins and is a main trading centre of illicit drugs. In 2005, an explosion occurred at Zegyo Market. That being said, Mandalay is generally a very safe city.

Get out

Amarapura (Pyi) - famous for its ancient sights, and for U Bein bridge, the world's longest teak bridge.

Maymyo (Pyin U Lwin) - former British hill station in a lush alpine forest. The small town contains a variety of colonial relics, and is most famous for its botanical gardens (modelled on England's Kew Gardens). Also known for the Defence Services Academy, the top-ranked military academy in Myanmar.

Mingun - best known for the Mingun Bell (one of the largest bells in the world), is a boat ride away.

Sagaing (to the east) - has many Buddhist temples and monasteries, especially on Sagaing Hill.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!